26/11/13 US concerned over rising tensions in Thailand WASHINGTON: The United States has expressed concern over rising tensions in Thailand and called for restraint in the face of mass anti-government demonstrations, Xinhua news agency reported. The U.S. government is following the ongoing demonstrations in Bangkok closely, State Department spokeswoman Jennifer Psaki said in a statement. We urge all sides to refrain from violence, exercise restraint and respect the rule of law. Anti-government rallies in Thailand which began last month were triggered by a government-backed amnesty bill that could lead to the return of Thaksin Shinawatra, former prime minister and brother of incumbent Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra. Tens of thousands of protesters forced their way into key ministries in capital Bangkok and called for Yinglucks government to resign, raising political tensions to a level not seen since the 2010 unrest. We call upon all sides to uphold international norms that guarantee freedom of the press and the safety of journalists, Psaki said. The US firmly believes all parties should work together to resolve differences through peaceful dialogue in ways that strengthen democracy and rule of law, she said. --BERNAMA
Posted on: Tue, 26 Nov 2013 02:16:13 +0000
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